A WEEK-long crime-busting programme has been hailed such a success it will be rolled out into the new year.

Operation Clean Sweep, based on the zero tolerance tactics of the New York police in the 1980s, argues that making an area more attractive reduces crime.

Drugs worth £4,500 were seized, six van loads of rubbish were cleared, 134 fixed penalty tickets were issued, 18 vehicles were clamped for no tax and 35 arrest warrants were executed during the multi-agency programme across Cardiff. The operation was so effective it is to become a permanent fixture in the Safer Capital calendar.

Deputy Divisional Commander, Superintendent Carl Davies, said: “There is a direct correlation between crime and grime and there is evidence that cleaning up neighbourhoods can reduce incidents of crime and disorder.

“Operation Clean Sweep will be run bi-monthly in different areas of Cardiff to improve quality of life for communities across the city.”

The city’s streets were cleared of dumped litter, fridges and gas cannisters, graffiti and illegal vehicles.

Drugs paraphernalia and used condoms were also cleared from alleys and back streets in Grangetown, while in Ely the arson reduction team dealt with around a dozen sites that were potential fire hazards.